[Relation between the transcutaneous and arterial oxygen tensions in the newborn infant].

Transcutaneous pressure of oxygen (Ptc O2) was measured at 43 degrees C in 48 newborns, these data were compared to simultaneously measured arterial oxygen tension. For 94 pair of measurements, there was a correlation coefficient of 83 (p less than 0.001) and a Ptc O2 index 0.918 +/- 0.210. In patients with edema, shock or defective membrane, correlation coefficient was 0,65 (p less than 0.001) and the Ptc O2 index was 0.433 +/- 0.163. Authors conclude that transcutaneous measure of oxygen at 43 degrees C is a reliable technique to monitor arterial oxygen tension in neonates.